Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Samaria Gorge

Signage at the top of the Mountain gorge

How quickly?

Each trip we plan at least one challenging hike and this
year is no different. The Samaria gorge hike is in a National Park by the same
name and is a gorge that drops some 1200M. from snow level in winter to sea
level in about 16 kms. Probably the most technical hike we have ever done since
for easily ¾ of it you have to position each step since you are walking down
rocks that have become polished over time, or rough skree.

Rough trail but the there is a handrail in places

In addition, the logistics of getting to, and returning from
the hike are a challenge, a special bus has to be caught from downtown Chania (only
2 per day) which takes you slightly over an hour to climb into the mountains.
Then you hike down to a remote beach community that is serviced by a once daily
ferry/barge that arrives at 17:30 hrs. But it may not arrive at that time, that’s
just approximate. Once it arrives, as with ours it still had 2 more pickups to
make along other remote beach communities before arriving in Hokra Stadion,
that has a newer road into it. There you catch the last bus back to Chania. It
waits until the ferry gets in and delivers its passengers. Our ferry was
supposed to arrive in Hokra approximately 18:10 but didn’t arrive till 19:

Creek Crossings

30.
Then you hike up a hill to the bus get on and wind another 1 ¼ hrs. back into
Chania. We arrived back in Chania at 21:30 hrs. and were quite tired. Sandra and I both discussed the fact we couldn't do bus trips or transfers etc. Too much queuing, waiting, and then the rides put me to sleep. I'd never see anything, but I'd be well rested.

waterfalls

But the hike was worth it. Scenery that compares to Kootenay
National Park around Radium Hot Springs, pure spring water that just emanates
from the rock and is so cold, compared to the 30+ C temperatures you are hiking
in. We packed in 2 ½ litres of water and splashed and drank easily another 3
litres while on the hike.

Gorge Walls

The level of expertise hiking was surprising, from some
people who it seemed it was their first hike, and had some real struggles, to
some who walked down like they were strolling in town. We’d recommend that
people do some preparation before a hike like this and get some 7-10 km walks
in, like we do around Ladysmith, a perfect training ground for this. There are many nationalities represented in the hiking entourage as well.

All Nationalities here

Samaria has been lived in since pre-historic times and there
is a settlement

Settlement remains from 1200 BC

about 6 kms up the gorge from the beach that can be seen. Wild
goats called Agrimli’s can be found wandering the cliffs and settlement areas
today. They are the largest wild mammal on Crete.

Old Church

Once you get to the remote community there is evidence of an
old castle, a bridge that is constructed very much like the Stari Most at
Mostar, and an old Greek Orthodox church. High on the hill protecting the gorge
are the remnants of an old castle as well.

No comments:

Brian

I am a motorcycle and sailing enthusiast who has been riding for over 40 years. I was turned on to motorcycles at the age of 13 when my parents first took me to Europe. Thank God they did!
Ever since that trip I have wanted to return to Europe to ride it by motorcycle. As you will see we didn't stop at 1 trip but we have done many.
I am very fortunate to have married my wife along time ago and we have loved doing this type of travel together.
Remember WE RETIRED, WE DIDN'T DIE!

Why we ride

1. Intimacy with your environment. You are part of the scene, not separated from it by remaining in a car. Your vision is unobstructed.

2. No sensory deprivation. You utilize all your senses as you ride, you can smell the flowers or baking, w/o barriers to see all around you and hear everything. You can smell the rain in the air, hear the kids in the playground, almost taste the pie on the window sill.And its easy to produce the High 5!

3. Physical fitness and endurance. Adventure riding is a sport, and it requires you to stay in shape.

4. You are the Ride. Imagine first that instead of the destination being the goal, the whole ride is an integral part of the experience. Its like riding the roller coaster to and from Disneyland.

5. Gyroscopic leveraging. With 4 wheels the centre of moment moves laterally in the opposite direction to your travel (in essence you are forced away from the direction of travel). On two wheels the gyroscopic centre of moment is used to aid you travelling in harmony with the centre of moment, and aids traction.

5. Camaraderie, motorcyclists of all stripes feel akin-ship to help should a problem exist.

6. Maneuverability. Whether it’s parking or passing you have many more options.

7. Performance. Motorcycles generally have higher power to weight ratios that make them thrilling to drive.